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Spas for mums-to-be

Your guide to great places for that pre-baby spa experience - especially designed for pregnancy

Now that you’re pregnant, your body is working harder than ever, nurturing both you and your unborn baby. No wonder then, that you may feel tired and achy, especially as your pregnancy progresses. What you (and every pregnant woman) deserves is a regular restorative treat, a little time to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life and focus on yourself and your baby.

If you’ve got the time and the money, one of the best ways to chill out during pregnancy is to take up one of the special pregnancy massage treatments that are available. Most last an hour or so (though if you’re after serious pampering, you could enjoy a tailor-made spa day, or even an overnight stay at a swanky hotel).

Make sure you have a treatment specifically designed for pregnant women, and that your therapist is fully trained about potential pitfalls regarding pregnancy. The most obvious thing is to make sure that the oils used are compatible with pregnancy, and to ensure that you are in a comfortable position

Some spas offer special massage couches with a cut-out section to accommodate your belly; others will prop you on gloriously comfortable cushions. You should not be asked to lie on your back unless you feel comfortable to do so.

You may find that your local health club offers pregnancy-specific treatments; otherwise look through this list, and find somewhere near you to help give your bump a treat. And if you’ve visited somewhere we haven’t mentioned, do tell us all about it!

Spa treatments at various locations

ChampneysBeautiful Bump, from £50 for 55 minutesRelaxing, pampering for pregnancy, starting with a soothing foot soak and back massage. This is followed by a collagen boosting body mask enriched with olive, shea, mango and cocoa butters and finally a relieving foot, leg and scalp massage.Available at Champneys resorts at Henlow, Forest Mere, Springs, and Tring, plus the following high street locations: Chichester, Enfield, St Albans, Guildford, Tunbridge Wells and Brighton. Find out more information about Champneys

Décleor New Beginnings Mother to Be treatment, 1 hour Developed to relax you as well as help prevent the appearance of stretch marks, maintain your skin’s elasticity, reduce water retention and re-balance your pigmentation, this treatment include a full body massage, tummy mask and mini facial.Available at Center Parcs Sherwood, Elveden, Longleat and Whinfell Forest See a full list of salons and spas offering Décleor treatments

ElemisThe main day spa is in the heart of London's Mayfair, but treatments are available throughout the country.

Nurturing Massage for Mother-to-Be, 1 hour 15 minutesAdapted to each stage of pregnancy, specialised positioning on the Elemis beanbag is used to ensure safety and comfort. The treatment aims to relieve tension in your back and alleviate swelling in your hands and feet.

EspaPre Natal Treatment, 1 hour 25 minutesA total body treatment designed for pregnant and nursing mothers to help you relax and tone your skin. The treatment avoids the use of essential oils as advised by the Aromatherapy Organisation Council and instead uses a Calendula infused oil, various muds and creams and advanced massage techniques to safe areas.Find a list of Espa venues

Mama MioMama Mio’s programme of spa treatments are designed to take you through every stage of your pregnancy. Treatments are available nationwide at a number of spas, including Ritz Carlton Spas, Dove Spas, Urban Retreat, U.R. Beautiful, Glow Spas, Cowshed. The cost for each treatment varies depending on the location. Find out more about Mama Mio's pregnancy spa programmes

Thai Square Spa, Central LondonPregnancy head massage, 45 mins"While my treatment was a pregnancy head massage, I was asked to change into a robe, so that my feet could be massaged, too (bliss). I was then carefully moved onto the massage table, in a position that suited my bump and general pregnancy aches."Read our full review

Bovey Castle Estate Spa, Dartmoor"My treatment, the Sundari Aadi - First Beginnings, was a dreamy 75 minutes of relaxation and rejuvenation. After starting with a warm foot scrub, I was then propped up on my side for a luxurious back massage, but given a pillow for comfort and support."Read our full review

Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire"My 'Beautiful Bump' treatment encompassed a lot more than the name suggests. My therapist started with bathing and massaging my swollen feet, which was so wonderfully stress-relieving I felt like giving her a grateful hug. Then came a full-body massage, using plain oils for pregnancy safety. Champneys’ therapists are experts in their field, and mine was wonderfully professional and attentive, checking I liked the lotion’s perfume before starting, as the sense of smell is often heightened during pregnancy."Read our full review

SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel, New Forest"My treatment, with a Thai-trained therapist, was a luscious way to pass an hour, with its scrumptious, VIP feel. The 100%-certified organic Jojoba massage oil was absorbed deeply into my skin, and the therapist was conscious of comfortable positions for a mum-to-be."Read our full review

Titanic Spa, Huddersfield"The Elemis mum-to-be massage is a heavenly experience. Suitable from your first trimester onwards, this involves lying on a cloud of huge cushions and a special beanbag in a fragrant, candle-lit room. My bump was fully supported in a reclined position as I was massaged with Japanese camellia pregnancy oil, which helps to prevent stretchmarks."Read our full review